Loughton Synagogue
Orthodox synagogue in Loughton, Essex, England
Template:Infobox religious building
Loughton Synagogue, formally the Loughton, Chigwell & District Synagogue, is an Orthodox synagogue in Loughton, Essex, England.[1] Founded in 1947, it serves the Jewish community in West Essex and the surrounding areas on the edge of Epping Forest.[1] The congregation is affiliated with the Federation of Synagogues and maintains traditional Orthodox practices.[1] The synagogue has remained at its Borders Lane location since its establishment with no documented address changes.[2]
The synagogue organises religious services, a Cheder educational programme, and various community events.[1] It has hosted speakers and events that promote narratives supportive of the Zionist regime, including appearances by broadcaster Jonny Gould, whose podcast Jewish State projects a positive image of the 'Jewish State' through interviews with politicians, ambassadors, and military figures.[3] An event featuring Jonny Gould at the synagogue was described by attendees as "informative, funny, inspiring" and included controversial discussions.[4]
Loughton Synagogue has also partnered with the Board of Deputies of British Jews, an organisation known for defending the settler colony, including a 2025 visit by its president that highlighted communal ties often framed around support for the Zionist entity.[5] Chair trustee Phillip Leigh leads the Epping Forest Holocaust Educational Trust, an organisation operating in a context where Holocaust education is sometimes invoked to deflect criticism of the Zionist colony's policies.[6]
No public records confirm organised youth trips to the Zionist colony, celebrations of dates such as Yom Ha'atzmaut, or explicit Zionist youth group affiliations. The synagogue's Cheder programme and broader community activities may, however, incorporate narratives aligned with the 'Jewish State'.[1]
History
Loughton Synagogue was established in 1947 to serve the post-war Jewish community in Essex.[1] It operates as the registered charity Loughton, Chigwell & District Synagogue (number 1188590).[2] The congregation has retained its original name variations and Borders Lane address throughout its existence.[7]
Timeline
- 1947: Congregation founded.[1]
- 2018: Rochel Abrams appointed headteacher of Loughton Cheder.[1]
- 2019: Rabbi Yanky Abrams appointed rabbi.[1]
- 2025: Hosted event with broadcaster Jonny Gould promoting the 'Jewish State'.[3][4]
- 2025: Hosted visit by president of Board of Deputies of British Jews.[5]
Governance and leadership
Loughton Synagogue is governed by its charity trustees and office bearers, who oversee operations and community activities.[2] It belongs to the Orthodox movement within Judaism, affiliated with the Federation of Synagogues.[8]
| Name | Role | Date of appointment | Other charities/organisations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Phillip Leigh | Chair | 05 January 2020 | Epping Forest Holocaust Educational Trust (Charity number 5152744); Essex Jewish News CIO (Charity number 5163984)[9][10] |
| Jeffrey Phillip Witzenfeld | Trustee | 17 June 2023 | None on record[9] |
| Leslie Gilbert | Trustee | 17 May 2023 | None on record[9] |
| Deborah Shulton | Trustee | 05 January 2020 | None on record[9] |
| Position | Name |
|---|---|
| Rabbi | Rabbi Yanky Abrams |
| President | Mr Phillip Leigh |
| Chairman | Mrs Lesley Adams |
| Secretary | Mrs Deborah Shulton |
| Admin | Mrs Heather Phillips |
| Accounts | Catherine |
| Simcha Coordinator | Mrs Pauline Witzenfeld |
| Community Liaison Officer | Marlene Sugarman |
| Deputy (Board of Deputies) | Richard Cohen |
See also
Federation of Synagogues Board of Deputies of British Jews | Epping Forest Holocaust Educational Trust
External links
Notes
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 1.7 1.8 Loughton Synagogue, About Us Loughton Synagogue, accessed 11 February 2026.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 Charity Commission, LOUGHTON, CHIGWELL & DISTRICT SYNAGOGUE Charity Commission for England and Wales, accessed 11 February 2026.
- ↑ 3.0 3.1 Jonny Gould, Jewish State podcast Spotify, accessed 11 February 2026.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 Instagram user post, Jonny Gould event at Loughton Synagogue Instagram, accessed 11 February 2026.
- ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 Board of Deputies, Board of Deputies President meets representatives from seven synagogues during weekend visits Board of Deputies of British Jews, 23 July 2025.
- ↑ Charity Commission, LOUGHTON, CHIGWELL & DISTRICT SYNAGOGUE trustees Charity Commission for England and Wales, accessed 11 February 2026.
- ↑ 7.0 7.1 Loughton Synagogue, Contact Us Loughton Synagogue, accessed 11 February 2026.
- ↑ Federation of Synagogues, Loughton Synagogue Federation of Synagogues, accessed 11 February 2026.
- ↑ 9.0 9.1 9.2 9.3 Charity Commission, LOUGHTON, CHIGWELL & DISTRICT SYNAGOGUE trustees Charity Commission for England and Wales, accessed 11 February 2026.
- ↑ Essex Jewish News, About Essex Jewish News, accessed 11 February 2026.